The Bass Buggie is an easy to use lightweight trolley-type
transport system.

Where was it designed?

It was designed in the USA with the input and thoughts
of working bass players especially for bass players.

I have to say it looks nicely made. What does it
consist of?

It consists of a pair of webbing straps that run
through the body of a two wheel chassis or "cart". At
the front end of the Bass Buggie is a moulded plastic loop which
fits over the endpin unit of your bass. At the other end - the
straps run through a spacer bracket and up towards a length adjuster
buckle. A bungee cord with end stops is then used to secure the
system in place.

So the bungee cord just goes around the neck of
my bass and clips into the hook on the side of the adjuster buckle
bracket.

Yes - that’s all there is to it. The system is incredibly
easy and quick to use.

I can see that the straps are made from industrial
strength webbing. Can you tell me what the chassis of the Bass
Buggie is made from?

The chassis is made from high impact moulded plastic.

So it is very durable?

Yes indeed.

Does the Bass Buggie incorporate any shock absorption
features?

Yes it does. A flexible chassis coupled with superb
quality wheels and tires all help absorb shock from the sort of
lumps, bumps and fissures that are commonly found in most pavement
surfaces. For any surfaces that are less than smooth the manufacture
has come up with the "Buggie Cushion". The high density foam cushion
can quickly and easily be affixed to the body of the Buggie by
means of a pair of Velcro strips that are attached to the back
of the cushion.

Tell me more about the wheels. Do you know if they
incorporate ball bearings for an ultra smooth ride?

Yes indeed. Quality steel roller bearings at the
centre of the wheel hub reduce wear and friction and allow the
wheel to turn incredibly smoothly even under high loads. The tyres
too help to provide the Bass Buggie with an ultra smooth ride.

Bass Buggie Setup
Click on the image for more views

I have to say - the tyres do look pretty
high-tech. Do you know what they are made from?

They are made from a "non-marking" durable elastomeric
compound - very similar to that found in high performance inline
skates.

With my bass on the Bass Buggie - is it easy to
push?

Yes indeed. The Bass Buggies has a super smooth
rolling action and is virtually tireless to use.

With my bass on the Bass Buggie - is it easy to
manoeuvre?

Yes. The Bass Buggie has a very small turning circle.
Once you start using it - you'll find that it is quick and easy
to change direction.

If my bass has its cover on - can I still use the
Bass Buggie?

Yes. You can attach it to a bass with or without
its cover on.

What size instruments can the Bass Buggie accommodate?

It can be used with any instrument from 1/10th size
to 4/4 size.

Wow - it seems that the Bass Buggie is versatile
in so many respects. I'm really impressed.

Yes - it certainly is a cleaver invention.

How much room does the Bass Buggie take up and how
much does it weigh?

In total length the chassis of the Bass Buggie
is only 38cm long. In width and height it only measures 16cm x
16cm. For travel or storage the straps can conveniently be wrapped
around the chassis. This will only add approximately a centimetre
or so to the width. In terms of weight the Bass Buggie without
the Buggie Cushion weighs a mere 1.4kg.

Can I balance my bass on The Bass Buggie?

Yes. A correctly adjusted front strap will allow
your bass to stand upright on its own.

That sounds great. So I can open doors, buy tickets
at train stations or buy a drink at a vending machine without the
need to put my double bass down on the ground?

Yes you can. However a word of warning. Do not leave
your bass unattended in the standing position. The Bass Buggie
is not intended to be used as a stand.

What advantages does the Bass Buggie have over and
above buying a bass wheel?

The main advantage apart from its stability, manoeuvrability
and superior ride ability is that the Bass Buggie doesn’t put
any sort of pressure or twisting force on the lower block of the
double bass.

So using the Bass Buggie is much safer for my instrument
than using a wheel?

Yes indeed. A secondary advantage is that you don't
need to remove the endpin or find somewhere to store it.

What sort of players are buying the Bass Buggie?

Whether you are young in years, middle aged or getting
on in your playing career the Bass Buggie can easily be used by
every type of player from students to teachers and from amateurs
to professionals.

Has the Bass Buggie been well received so far?

Yes indeed. In the USA - the Bass Buggie really
has taken the market by storm. Nearly every bass player you see
seems to be using one. Shoppe Director Tony Houska comments - "The Bass Buggie really
is a very well thought out invention. Now that it has finally arrived
here in the UK, there is absolutely no reason why it shouldn’t
be as equally successful this side of the Atlantic."

What sort of surfaces is the Bass Buggie
designed for?

The Bass Buggie works exceptionally well on smooth
surfaces and pavements such as those found at college or university
campuses, hotel lobbies, station concourses and of course airport
lounges. On the rougher type of pavements and streets the Bass
Buggie out-performs most other products on the market.

Time for a summary:

The Bass Buggie has been designed to make life much
easier for the travelling bass player. The product is light in
weight and simple to use. Its quick to put on, its quick to take
off. It can be used by every size and stature of player on nearly
all sizes of instrument. Furthermore it is easy on your back and
it just works so wonderfully well.